THE END         May 18 2003

Hello to everyone back home!

Well, the ten month story of my student mission experience is at an end. Where did the time go?? I will be leaving here tomorrow, and I don't know when I'll be back. I have a lifetime of memories and learning experiences to take back with me, as well as lots of pictures to share! But there are some things that are going to be left unknown--did I have any kind of influence on my students? Was I an instrument for God? Did I do the best I could or was there something else I should have done this year? And I guess I'll have to wait for heaven before I get my answers--I only hope that I will see my students there as well.

We've had many many goodbye parties in the last couple of weeks (if I haven't mentioned it before, these people sure know how to fix up a feast of food!). The church had one for us last week (our adopted families all came to say goodbye), we put one on for the families that live here on campus just this week--thanking them for all they've done for us and welcoming us in like we were their children. And they in turn had one for us this weekend, thanking us for our hard work this year. And then there's the class parties! Ours was Friday--lots of junk food, music, silly dancing, and then cleanup and it was over... and that was the end of my teaching experience! I remember a certain phone call I made to my parents back at the beginning of the school year asking them how on earth I was going to make it through ten months of teaching because I honestly didn't think I could do it. And yet here I am, and I know that God is the only one who got me through it. There is absolutely no other way.

I had my students write goodbye notes for me and Mr. Massengill the other day for us to read on the plane when we leave. I'm interested to see what they will write... Some of them said they are coming to the airport to see us off, and I know there are other students going to see their teachers off as well so all I can say is I hope the airport is prepared for an overload of kids!! It's going to be a zoo. My kids keep teasing me and telling me that I'm going to cry when I leave. I don't even try to fight them on it, I have a feeling I will--all these precious kids that are now so dear to my heart will be standing there saying goodbye and I have no idea when, if ever, I'm going to see them again! I do hope that I can keep in touch with them though. I had them write down their addresses, and I'm trying to keep track of their birthdays to atleast send them a card once a year, as well as write the class as a whole and send them things next year. I now know exactly the kinds of things to send for the kids next year. Sports stuff! Basketballs, b-ball nets, volleyballs, footballs, soccer balls--I think I'll just send one of each ball for my class to use--that's what they all ask for. It'll be fun sending them things from time to time.

Oh, last week all of us SM girls and Johann (she lives here but teaches with us) decided to spend a night in a bungalow at The Village. It was a nice escape and we had a good time. The bungalows are pretty neat. The floors are wood, the roof is palm fronds, walls are woven palm and wood, furniture is wood and wicker, and they have waterbeds! The beds have white mosquito netting hung over top of them (I was very thankful for those while sleeping after being eaten alive while watching movies), it looks really neat. There are screen windows running the length of two of the walls and they have a ceiling fan, so it's actually pretty cool and comfortable in the rooms seeing as how there isn't any air conditioning. We brought the small tv/vcr from the school and watched a couple of movies, slept in, had brunch there, and then headed back to the school.

Eighth grade graduation was Thursday night and it went really well, after all the hassles of setup along the way. Poor Brad has been pretty stressed out the last few days, but they pulled it off and it was really good. It really made me want to be back here next year for my kids' graduation! After this one they were all telling me that I HAVE to come back for theirs, and I really want to, but I just don't know if I'll be able to come up with that kind of money for a plane ticket so soon. I'm really going to look into it though, because I think it'd be something really special for all of us if I could. I guess I'll leave that in the Lord's hands.

This Sabbath was a special service for the graduating students, so us student missionaries did most of it. All of the girls and I did a special music using sign language. It was fun to learn, I've never done it before. So that went well. Tony Middleton, youth director for the GMM, came and has given vespers and the sermon and such, so that's been a nice treat. An english sermon! Something we don't hear very often. Kristen and AJ sang a song called "Remember Me," and I think it got everyone thinking of how soon we're leaving... It still doesn't seem real though! Feels like I'll be going right back to teaching come Monday morning. I don't think it's going to hit until I get on that plane.

Well I guess I'm going to end here. I have lots to clean and pack today! I'll be seeing you guys soon and then I can show you more pictures and tell you anything else you want to know! I guess I'd just ask for you prayers as we finish up graduation services here--high school will be tonight, and then for safe travels as we all head home. We're shutting off our internet early tomorrow morning so we can pay the bill. So today will be the last time I can write anyone until I get home. I'm stopping on Majuro for two days to visit people, then Hawaii for two days, and then I'll be home on Friday the 23rd! Brings a smile to my face.

Thank you once again for all of your support over the last ten months. Your prayers have brought me through, and your encouraging emails have kept me going. I can't wait to see everyone! God bless!

Love,

Lindsey

Pictures: #1--Megan and I at the church's going away party. Our adopted families gave us lei's, head wreaths, and some of us skirts or shirts. #2--the girls at The Village

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